Tillerson said President Donald Trump’s historic meeting with Pope Francis on his first foreign trip in May 2017 underscored the importance of this partnership.

“I join millions of Americans in congratulating the Holy Father on this anniversary and look forward to our continued work together to promote peace, freedom, and human dignity around the world,” Tillerson said.

Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on Feb. 28, 2013, a papal conclave elected Jorge Mario Bergoglio as his successor on March 13.

He chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.

He is the 266th and current Pope of the Catholic Church, a title he holds ex officio as Bishop of Rome, and sovereign of Vatican City.